Abstract

This article introduces California' Congestion Management Program, describes some problems related to California's CMP legislation, outlines the major CMP elements, and briefly explains the issue of the environmental impact of CMPs. It is noted that CMP is intended to force local jurisdictions to integrate the land use and transportation decision-making processes. Santa Clara County is notable in that it developed a CMP that fulfills the intent of the legislation by significantly improving transportation conditions through a comprehensive planning process. The County defines all major aspects of CMP In terms of nine elements: system definition; system level of service standards; transit standards; trip reduction and travel demand management; database and modeling; land-use analysis program; capital improvement program; monitoring and conformance; and deficiency plan. Each of these elements is discussed. Comments are made on the issue of evaluating the environmental impact of CMPs.